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Chicago's Millennium Park Christmas tree, a 68-foot Norway spruce from Glenview, will be lit during a ceremony on November 21. City officials announced the transplant, donated by the Mason family, which will be on display until early January. Meanwhile, a proposed residential development on West Kinzie Street faces criticism over insufficient parking from local residents.
A federal judge criticized conditions at an ICE processing center in Broadview, calling them “disgusting” and planning a temporary restraining order to enforce improvements. Former detainees testified about overcrowding, lack of food, and unsanitary conditions, prompting the judge to seek immediate relief for those still held there.
Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, falsely stated that no American citizens have been detained during immigration operations, despite numerous reports of such incidents in Chicago. Witnesses and legal representatives confirm that U.S. citizens have faced detention and questioning by federal agents, leading to legal scrutiny and a possible extension of restrictions on warrantless arrests.
The City Council's zoning committee approved a cannabis dispensary near Wrigley Field and two apartment developments in Andersonville and East Garfield Park on Monday. The dispensary, set to open at 3650 N. Clark St., will be the closest to Wrigley Field, while the apartment projects aim to increase affordable housing in their respective neighborhoods.
President Donald Trump stated that federal immigration agents in Chicago “haven’t gone far enough” in their enforcement actions during a “60 Minutes” interview. He defended the use of aggressive tactics, despite public outcry and incidents involving the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters. Local leaders continue to criticize these operations and seek peaceful resistance.
The Black Harvest Film Festival returns to Chicago from November 10 to 16, celebrating its 31st year at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The festival will feature a mix of digital shorts, documentaries, and repertory films, highlighting Black narratives and local experiences. Curator jada-amina emphasizes a focus on showcasing joy and brilliance in the Black community.
Tenants groups in Chicago urge local leaders to implement an eviction moratorium amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations targeting residents. The All-Chicago Tenants Alliance argues that fear of eviction exacerbates financial struggles for vulnerable workers, particularly in the Latino community. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed willingness to consider the request, while no response has come from Governor JB Pritzker.
Three new restaurants are set to open in Bronzeville, including the Southern Southeast Asian eatery Dixie Pura, which recently celebrated its grand opening. Meanwhile, Turner Haus Brewery has paused its daily operations to focus on future plans after operating for nearly two years.
Federal agents apprehended Omar Huerta Cisneros, a man with schizophrenia, in Chicago Lawn while he walked to a grocery store. Bystander Edgar Manzo recorded the incident, providing crucial evidence for Cisneros' family, who struggled to locate him after his detention. Without the video, they would have remained unaware of his whereabouts for weeks.
93.9 LITE FM will begin its all-holiday music format at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, marking a later start than in previous years. The launch coincides with a contest offering a trip to Las Vegas to see Mariah Carey perform.